A metal-free approach to access ketones, amides, and nitriles employing TBAI/TBHP oxidative system in water

Hydrocarbons, benzylamines, and heteroaromatic-bearing amines have been efficiently employed as substrates in allylic and benzylic oxidations via C(sp3)?H bond activation by TBAI/TBHP in water. This operationally simple method allows access to ketones, nitriles, and amides in moderate to high yields and a regio- and chemoselective late-stage functionalization.